An Open letter to a Son
1 Timothy 1:1-11
The epistles called 1 and 2 Timothy are a mentors heartfelt words to a son. Paul uses these letters as further instructions to a young evangelist that he has watched grow up in Christ. Timothy was an associate of Paul’s on his second and third missionary journeys. The Biblical portrait of Timothy is that of a young man who is somewhat shy. Paul urges his young disciple to stand firm for the gospel against menacing opponents and circumstances.
Timothy’s name means, “honoring God.” His mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois raised him. These women taught him the scriptures. He is a native of Lystra; he may have been converted because of Paul’s first missionary journey. We do know that on the second journey Paul found a grown up Timothy who was of excellent reputation. Paul does refer to Timothy as a child in the faith, which could mean that Paul was instrumental in converting Timothy. Before joining Paul on the second journey, Paul circumcises Timothy because Timothy was half Jewish and they would be ministering to Jews.
Verse 2b “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Outside of this letter among the writings of Paul, only 2nd Timothy employs a threefold greeting of grace, mercy and peace. Timothy was in a difficult situation and he had a great need for all three components. All three are gifts from God. We need them daily. My wish for all of you is that you experience God’s grace, mercy and peace in abundant fashion daily.
The reason for this letter comes in this first chapter. It is to prevent the spread of false teaching. Read with me from verse 3 and 4
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work--which is by faith.
Paul warns against myths and endless genealogies” Some see these as stories either fictitious distortions of the OT, or Gnostic beliefs about creation. These also could be embellished stories about the Lord. Paul opposes these myths because they get people off track, and involved in speculation and argument rather than focusing on the work of proclaiming the gospel and nurturing believers in Christ.
Today that might be like focusing on the “Left Behind” series, or better yet, slanderous accusations against other preachers or schools of evangelism. It starts with, “well I heard that so and so does not believe in the full plan of salvation.” Before you know, these accusations are flying all over the place and may not be true. I have heard them about Bob Russell, Wayne Smith, Max Lucado, and others like them. I have also heard about how some of our Bible colleges are going liberal and such. Such rumors are spread like wildfire and they do nothing to promote Christianity. Instead of tearing on another down, we need to more of building each other up in Christ. If you want to know where Wayne Smith or Bob Russell stand then call them, I did, if you want to know if Max Lucado believes that baptism is necessary and essential for salvation, call him, I did. If you want to know what I found out, ask me later.
Another way is when we spend our time reading other books RATHER than God’s word. This is how cults start, they get people to stop reading the Bible and start reading their books. Now I am not saying there is anything intrinsically wrong with reading other books, but balance it with the Bible. I read many books throughout the year, when I go hunting I take one with me to my stand. Sometimes it is the Bible and sometimes other books. There is nothing wrong with that, but when we start basing our theology on other writings outside of the Bible, that is where the trouble starts. Remember that in the garden, Satan got Eve to take her eyes off God and on to the situation.
There is a Goal to Paul’s warning found in verses 5-7
5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
The purpose of Christian instruction or preaching is to lead people to grow in both their love of God and other human beings. Mature love flows from hearts that are being purified and consciences that are being cleansed with faith that is without pretense
Paul describes false teachers as teachers of the law because Paul envisions them to be aspiring to be Rabbi’s spinning out sterile interpretations of the OT stories and regulations. Like the Pharisees in Jerusalem whom Jesus said, “bound on men things they themselves were not willing to carry.” These teachers pretend to be wise sages but they were really talking about matters they didn’t understand.
Much of today’s problem would come from reading what others say about a subject, quote a few verses of scripture and build a whole doctrine around isolated parts. For much of the “Left Behind” series comes from 2 Thessalonians in reference to the Son of Perdition. The Bible says more about this Son of Perdition or Lawless one than what is found in 2 Thess. Yet, many have built an entire scenario just using those few verse found in 2 Thess. They are teaching what they do not understand.
Then Paul goes into the reason for the warning.
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
These teachers were using the Law unlawfully. They misunderstood the intent and use of God’s law. They were using it for their own glory and gain perverting its true function in God’s plan. When people preach the gospel, it should be for the up building of God’s kingdom not their own financial or political gain.
What is the right use of the Law? The primary function of the law was to make us aware of sin and our need for a Savior. In his statement that the Law “is made not for the righteous” he is saying that committed believers do not need the Law to propel them holy living. Their new heart takes pleasure in God’s law and they are open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit which leads them to act in ways that fulfill God’s law.
So then, what shall we do? When we talk to others ask ourselves is what we are about to say going to build up or tear down? Is it my opinion or is it Biblical fact. Would God label me a false teacher, or am I promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We have a responsibility to proclaim the truth and nothing but the Truth.
